New Roof for Toveri Tupa Finnish Hall - Arts

Update: While the Go Fund Me so far is about $2400 below the target, the project team has elected to finish the project by advancing personal funds.

----

Comrade's Hall - Toveri Tupa - Old Finnish Hall has fallen on hard times. This South Berkeley National Registered Landmark sports a giant hole in the roof, and on a stiff wind day, shingles literally fly into neighbor's yards and onto the street.

This once vibrant class and event space can't come back to life, if it rots.

And this is the caretaker's home also -- they spend wet nights mopping.

This winter's rains will destroy this building unless we act fast. A local roofer will donate labor if we, the community, raise funds for the materials.

The future of this building is uncertain. What is certain is that letting the rains in will destroy 114 years of history.

The donations are not tax-deductible, though the hall operates as a not-for-profit. The hall is also open for rentals, both private and for groups, despite the roof -- yoga, dancing, karate, youth groups, and theater groups can book the space as the roof work will be almost all outside. See https://www.oldfinnishhall.org/ to book the hall.

All donors will be invited on a tour of the building at a date to be determined.

Note that Tupa Hall is not-for-profit, but Go Fund Me is a for-profit. You can choose how much to donate to Go Fund Me at checkout, from 0-12%.

------------------

Toveri Tupa translates to "Comrade's Room" or maybe "Comrade's Hall." The original Finnish community has long since dispersed, and are no longer involved. Toverii Tuppa is how it's spelled in the landmark designation.

Major Donors:

Spending Plan:

Press Coverage

Note: this is crazy cheap for roofing cost. The team has found a lot of ways to get this building protected within something close to what the community was willing to donate.